Plant Parts and Their Diseases

This exercise is designed to teach young learners the different parts of a plant (root, stems, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds), the basic functions of each part, and to show that tiny microscopic organisms (“germs”) can cause each part of a plant to become diseased. The lesson shows learners the importance of understanding what causes plants to be sick and the need for scientists called plant pathologists to keep plants healthy. In part 1, learners discuss and look at examples of plants (anatomy, function and disease). In part 2, learners taste various parts of plants (i.e. carrot - root, celery - stem). This resource includes discussion questions with answers.